Airbus sees Vietnam needing 1,000 aircraft

Airbus forecasts that Vietnam will need about 1,000 aircraft over the next 20 years as air travel in the country expands rapidly. The projection is based on an expected average annual passenger traffic growth of 7.7%, which is estimated to be roughly twice the global average. This rapid expansion is expected to drive demand not only for aircraft but also for airport infrastructure and operating capacity across the country.

The forecast was presented by Wouter van Wersch, President of Airbus International, who highlighted the significant growth potential of Vietnam’s aviation market. He stated that Airbus is ready to support Vietnam in meeting this demand by supplying aircraft and providing products and services locally.

As of September 2026, 258 aircraft were registered in Vietnam under 13 companies. Of these, 231 are operated commercially by airlines, while the remainder includes helicopters, general aviation aircraft and seaplanes. This represents the highest number of aircraft ever registered under Vietnam’s nationality mark.

Vietnamese carriers currently operate about 230 Airbus aircraft and have placed orders for more than 220 additional Airbus jets. Airbus holds about 90% of the narrowbody aircraft market and 50% of the widebody market in Vietnam. Many domestic airlines focus their operations on the A320 family for narrowbody routes, while widebody operations include Vietnam Airlines’ use of 14 A350s and Vietjet’s operation of the A330.

Recent purchase commitments underscore the growth trend. In 2026, Vietravel Airlines ordered 50 narrowbody aircraft, including A321neo jets and new‑generation A220s. Vietnam Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding to buy additional A350 widebody aircraft to strengthen its long‑haul fleet.

Vietjet Air has ordered 40 A330-900 aircraft and is expected to take delivery in the near future. These transactions contribute to the more than 220 Airbus aircraft already on order by Vietnamese carriers and align with the longer‑term projection of a fleet expanding toward 1,000 aircraft.

Looking beyond Vietnam, Airbus projects global demand for widebody aircraft at about 3,420 units over the next 20 years, with the Asia‑Pacific region expected to account for around 40% of that total. This underlines the growing role of Asia‑Pacific in long‑haul and high‑capacity air travel, a trend that supports Vietnam’s own fleet expansion plans.

Vietnam’s role extends into Airbus’s industrial supply chain. Some Vietnamese companies already supply components such as emergency exit door parts for the A321neo and other components for A320, A321 and A350 aircraft, with deliveries going to Airbus facilities in Germany and elsewhere. Airbus is also cooperating with Vietnam in aerospace development and human‑resource training.

The projected growth in passenger traffic places pressure on Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure, including airports and operational capabilities. Airbus is working with the Vietnamese defense sector as well, supporting expansion of the C295 transport fleet and establishing helicopter maintenance and repair facilities in Ho Chi Minh City to provide local services and capabilities.

In connection with Long Thanh International Airport, which is expected to begin operations soon, Airbus has presented its long‑range A350 passenger variant and a dedicated A350 freighter design as options. The company has emphasized Vietnam’s strategic geographic position and the opportunity for Long Thanh to develop into a regional and global transit hub as the country’s fleet moves toward the projected 1,000 aircraft over the next two decades.